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BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN . . . All-rounder Sean Williams (left) chats with coach Dav Whatmore in the company of (from left) Charles Coventry and Zimbabwe Cricket managing director Alistair Campbell shortly after the Chevrons arrived back home yesterday

Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe cricket team believe they have played their part in proving to the world that Pakistan is now ready for international cricket after a short series which ended at the weekend.

The Chevrons arrived home yesterday evening happy with the conditions in that country after featuring in two Twenty20 series and three One Day Internationals.

ZC communications manager Lovemore Banda said they were pleased with the reception they got from their hosts and the security measures put in place to ensure a safe and successful tour.

Banda said the tour was well-supported by the locals who had been starved of international cricket for years.

Pakistan had not hosted international cricket against a Test nation since 2009 when the Sri Lanka national team was attacked by terrorists.

Banda said the tour was successful despite Zimbabwe losing most of their matches.

“Everybody in the team, I think, enjoyed themselves. The crowds were fantastic. The welcome was very warm. The Pakistan people looked after us very well.

“The hashtag for the tour was #Cricketcomeshome and Pakistan went all out to ensure that indeed cricket came home.

“All the five matches were well subscribed in terms of attendances. Full crowds all the time so it was a very successful tour on and off the field,” said Banda.

Zimbabwe lost both T20 matches despite giving the hosts a good run.

The ODIs were also competitive although Pakistan won the first two matches.

The third match was rained off after Pakistan had set 297 for Zimbabwe to win.

The tourist looked on course in the run chase as they had raced to 62-0 after eight overs when the weather intervened.

“And for us, of cause, we did put up some commendable performances. The question going out to Pakistan was how the batting line up would cope without Brendan Taylor and I think that question has been answered.

“Later on in the tour it even became clear when the in-form batsman Elton Chigumbura was suspended. Still the team held its own.

“Unfortunately, the final ODI was rained off yesterday (Sunday) and so we were not able to get a result from that.

“But at the time that it was stopped we were well ahead. It was a pity that the elements connived against us,” said Banda.